Recognised for its ‘deep knowledge of construction law’, barristers at Atkin Chambers have extensive experience advocating in major international disputes concerning construction and engineering worldwide. Stuart Catchpole KC and Samar Abbas Kazmi have recently acted in substantial construction arbitrations in the Middle East, while Manus McMullan KC continues to act in Grupos Unidos per el Canal v Autoridad del Canal de Panama for the Panama Canal Authority in the dispute concerning the expansion of the Panama Canal and challenges brought to previous awards made. Zulfikar Khayum has an active arbitration practice, recently concerning hospital, airport, transport and energy developments and Edmund Neuberger also has a broad construction arbitration practice and Andrew Fenn KC is experienced in major energy infrastructure disputes and was made silk in March 2025.
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Profile
Position
Samar Abbas Kazmi specialises in commercial, construction and technology disputes. Samar has a broad domestic practice as well as being particularly well-respected internationally where he has developed an excellent international arbitration practice.
He has been involved in disputes concerning parties in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean, and has particular expertise in technically complex matters concerning large developments and infrastructure projects, energy and cross-border litigation. As an advocate, he has experience of handling disputes arising from joint ventures, long-term commercial relationships and infrastructure projects.
Samar is an Honorary Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Construction & Project Management, University College London, where he teaches contract administration and law.
Career
Called 2011; Lincoln’s Inn. Publications of note: contributor to Construction Contracts: Law and Practice 3rd Ed.
Languages
Urdu, Punjabi (proficient), French (basic).
Memberships
LCIA Young International Arbitration Group
ICC Young Arbitrators Forum
International Bar Association
ICCA
TECBAR
COMBAR
Society of Construction Law
Education
Yale University, USA (2006 BA distinction).
Content supplied by Atkin Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'David Barnes and Justin Wilson are absolute Rolls Royce clerks. Rick Bulaitis also worth a mention - approachable and commercial.'
- 'David Barnes, Andrew Burrows and Justin Wilson are a wonderful team assisted by junior staff. Sensible, practical and commercially astute with a great sense of humour.'
- 'Excellent. David Barnes is exceptional, and Andrew Burrows is very diligent. They are very good clerks.'
- 'The very best in energy and construction. Period.'
- 'Atkin Chambers is the go-to set for construction and like disputes. The barristers have very deep sector experience and expertise.'
- 'Atkins are in a league of their own. The clerks are super responsive, particularly Rob Bryant. They always find the right person for the job.'
- 'Atkins has a very good reputation for construction barristers with a deep knowledge of construction law.'
- 'Atkin Chambers is a great set; the barristers I have worked with are obviously experts in their fields as well as being approachable, willing to roll up their sleeves, and great team players. The clerks are super; responsive, helpful, commercial.'